Australia's first female prime minister Julia Gilliard's politics start in students union at Adelaide University

Julia Gillard became Australia's first female prime minister in 2010.

Julia Gillard, Australia’s first female prime minister (2010-13) and Labor Party leader, was raised and educated in Adelaide where she got her first taste of politics working with the Australian Union of Students (AUS) at Adelaide University where she studied arts and law.

Born in Barry, Wales, Gillard was brought by her parents in 1966 to Adelaide after suffering broncopneumonia. Her parents had been admirers of the Welsh Labor leader Aneurin Bevan, who had helped establish Britain's National Health Service.

Gillard attended Mitcham Demonstration School and Unley High School, before going to Adelaide University and engaging in the negotiations and networking of student politics with the Australian Union of Students (AUS).

She continued her studies at Melbourne University in 1983 after being elected vice president of the AUS that was based in Victoria. Her switch to studies at Melbourne University was combined with working at AUS headquarters and becoming its president 1983-84.

After graduating, Gillard became a partner in law firm Slater & Gordon and then chief of staff to Victorian Labor leader John Brumby in 1996. She was elected to the federal seat of Lalor in 1998.

After Labor’s poor showing in federal elections in 2001, Gillard was elevated to the party’s front bench with the shadow portfolios of population and immigration. She took on the shadow health portfolio in 2003 and three years later became deputy to new Labor leader Kevin Rudd who became prime minister in 2007.

As employment and workplace minister, Gillard rolled back laws that limited the power of labour unions.

Rudd’s credibility was damaged by dropping a carbon emissions trading scheme and a proposed “super tax” on mining company profits prompted a fierce backlash in 2010. Faced with a leadership challenge by Gillard, Rudd stood down and Gillard was promptly elected leader. She negotiated a compromise 30% tax with the mining companies.

Within a month, Gillard called an election that resulted in her forming Australia’s first minority government since 1940.

Gillard’s passion for education shone through in her reforms at all levels, plus childcare and a focus on the disadvantaged. She also established Australia’s first national curriculum and ensured major investment in school buildings.

While Gillard remained popular internationally, her approval at home sagged. Anticipating another challenge from Rudd, Gillard called for a party ballot with the loser to retire from politics. On June 26 2013, Gillard was ousted as ALP leader.

Gillard returned to live in Adelaide after her term as prime minister. Among her post-politics roles is being chair of the board of directors of the Global Partnership for Education.